by. W. Chaz Glass

Courtship is a significant process in relationships. We can all think back to moments when we became aware of the deep, sincere love a person has for us. Maybe it is a distance they travel, something important they set aside or miss, a type of effort they exhibit to see a smile on your face. These acts serve as a precursor to how the rest of the days together will be spent, daily demonstrations of love. Such acts distinguish us from all others, becoming markers and reminders of how emotional connections are built. When courtship is complete, one is sure they are with the most compatible partner. As we approach Resurrection Sunday, I want to draw our attention to the greatest act of courtship in history: Christ’s sacrificial love for His Bride, the Church, as demonstrated through His death on the cross.

There are many spirits desiring to court us, but let me remind you that the most compatible spirit for our salvation and overall wellbeing in this fallen world is Jesus Christ. Christ’s love for us is no ordinary love. It’s a love that goes beyond anything we could ever comprehend or deserve. In Ephesians 5:25-27, Paul writes, “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.” Think about that for a moment. Christ loved us so much that He was willing to give up His very life for us. It is a type of love that many still do not understand; it can be difficult to fully grasp what we have an opportunity to be delivered from, the spirit of death.

Christ did not leave us; He endured shame, pain, and the agony of the cross, all for the sake of those who would believe in Him. He took upon Himself humanity’s punishment, bearing God’s wrath and judgment, so that we could be redeemed, cleansed, sanctified, and presented to Him as a glorious church. When we look at the cross, we see the depths of Christ’s sacrificial, unconditional, and unrelenting love on full display, placed on a high hill for all to see. He was not killed in secret; God chose a path of courtship for all to observe. In light of such amazing love, how can we not be moved to respond? How can we not fall on our knees in worship, praise, and devotion? The reality of Christ’s love should be the defining truth of our lives, shaping everything we think, say, and do.

As the Bride of Christ, we are called to love Him in return with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. We are called to live our lives in a way that honors and pleases Him, to seek His face and His will above all else. We are called to marvel at the incredible privilege of being loved by Him in this way and to let that love transform us from the inside out. We are called to demonstrate this same love to our neighbor and the world. As we celebrate Resurrection Sunday, let us not forget the connection between Christ’s sacrificial love on the cross and the hope and victory of His resurrection. The empty tomb is the confirmation that His love was enough, that His sacrifice was sufficient to secure our redemption and eternal life. Because He lives, we too shall live. Because He conquered death, we have the assurance of eternal life and union with Him. The resurrection is the proof that His love is stronger than the grave and that nothing can separate us from Him. This Resurrection Sunday, may we fix our eyes on the cross as the ultimate act of courtship, the supreme demonstration of God’s love for the world. May we be overwhelmed by His commitment, devotion, and sacrifice. May we respond with gratitude, worship, and a renewed desire to love and serve Him until the great marriage supper of the Lamb.